http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/thenewlinke Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:24:49 GMT Reviews by thenewlinke http://www.viewpoints.com/Wal-Mart-Re-usable-Green-Shopping-Bags-review-58a46 Let me first say that I'm not some die-hard "Green" person.  I don't own a hybrid (too expensive).  I don't grow my own food or make compost (too time consuming).  I don't protest oil drilling (I like my car).  But I do try to do the little, everyday things.  We recycle.  Every light-bulb in our house are the "twisty" bulbs and our Christmas lights are all LED.  I try to buy produces that can be refilled/reused to reduce waste.  I'm trying to set the right example for my two boys.  That's why I always took back my plastic Wal-mart bags to be recycled.  That is, until about two months ago, when the recycling box mysteriously disappeared.  My house quickly began to fill with the bags and I cried Uncle...I bought the Green Bags, which, by the way, are actually black. — I was slightly skeptical, after all, canvas bags arn't cheap.  But when I saw that they were only $1 each, I bought 10!  Heck, at that... Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:24:49 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Wal-Mart-Re-usable-Green-Shopping-Bags-review-58a46 thenewlinke 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Mr-Clean-Disinfecting-Wipes--130658-review-46824 My Mom recently got me hooked on using Clorox cleaning wipes.  I clean everything with them, the whole bathroom, kitchen counters, kids toys...everything.  So when I got a coupon in the mail for the Mr. Clean Wipes I decided, what the heck, I'll give it a try.  After all, I have been using Mr. Clean products most of my adult life and I really trust the brand.  Big mistake.  — Yes, the Mr. Clean wipes are bigger and thicker but they don't stay as moist in the package...ie their cleaning solution isn't as effective.  I have a 2-yr-old who is starting potty training and I have tried cleaning his potty seat with these wipes.  They just don't cut it...the seat feels sticky afterward and because of that I really don't think they disinfect as well. — On top of this, they cost more...even with a coupon.  Plus they are no refills available, only the original tubs.  I'm not a huge Green person who goes out and buys a hybrid or protest... Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:24:24 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Mr-Clean-Disinfecting-Wipes--130658-review-46824 thenewlinke 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Virginia-Marine-Science-Museum-Virginia-Beach-VA-review-4e0e3 We were visiting my sister-in-law and helping her move.  After we were done, it was raining so we couldn't take the kids to the beach.  So Connie Ann (SIL) suggested that we take the kids to the Aquarium.  We have been to the Pittsburgh Aquarium inside the Zoo, which the boys LOVED, so we thought, "Why not."  In general we had a lot of fun and my kids had some new experiences like petting the sting rays.  The Aquarium section was under going a major renovation when we went (6/15/2008) So the there wasn't as many displays/tanks.  The place is too big for me to write about all at once so I'll break it down into it's sections and give each a star rating.  — Seal Tank (* * * * *) This tank is outside where you first walk into the building.  The Seals were extremely friendly.  They would swim up to kids that had their faces pressed to the glass and give them kisses.  They blew bubbles as they danced and spun leaving a... Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:33:41 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Virginia-Marine-Science-Museum-Virginia-Beach-VA-review-4e0e3 thenewlinke 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Upside-Down-Show-review-17484 The Upside Down Show is a witty children's show on Noggin (commercial free pre-school channel by Nick).  The adventure begins in a giant white room where two brothers, Shane & David, encourage kids to play with the imaginary remote, which does "heaps of cool stuff"  The remote does everything from make everyone vibrate, Irish Dance, and of course, turn everything upside-down.  After Shane & David show you how to use your imaginary remote, they hand it through the TV to you.  At this point my kids (2 & almost 5) always run up to the TV to take the imaginary remote and little boy hilarity ensues. — The main part of the show takes place in Shane & David's living room.  The brothers are always in search of something (a cow bell, a pet for David, the ice cream truck) and they have to go through the different doors (or couch cushions, or elevator behind a bookcase, etc) and each "room" they explore is different and not at all what you expect.  —... Sun, 18 May 2008 13:00:08 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Upside-Down-Show-review-17484 thenewlinke 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Fisher-Price-Kid-Tough-Digital-Camera--135961-review-ddf52 My oldest son received this camera for Christmas from Grammy & Granddaddy when he was 3 1/2.  He was already taking pictures with my regular digital camera so it took less then 2 minutes for him to figure this one out.  It took longer to put in the batteries then it took him to start taking pictures. — Pros —... Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:31:53 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Fisher-Price-Kid-Tough-Digital-Camera--135961-review-ddf52 thenewlinke 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Sobe-Life-Water-review-b2424 My Grandmother always told us that if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.  That is why, up to this point, I have only written positive reviews.  But I feel that I should let other mothers who are trying to do the heathly thing know this isn't it. — Like some of the other reviewer I saw the dancing lizard commercial and it sparked my interest.  In my College days I use to drink Sobe like they were going out of style (personal favorite - orange creamcicle).  So when we went to Wal-mart last week and they were giving out free 16oz. bottles, I thought what the heck, it's free.  Plus I have been trying to get my kids to drink more water.  We got 6 bottles, one of each flavor (Blackberry Grape, Orange Tangerine, and Cherry something) x2 kids. — My kids have food allergies (eggs/gelatin) so the first thing I do when we get something new is read the label throughly.  Guess what the second ingredient is in Life... Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:35:57 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Sobe-Life-Water-review-b2424 thenewlinke 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/I-Wanna-Be-a-Trucker-Tanker-review-a63d1 Anyone who has seen CMT's Trick my Truck knows who the Chrome Shop Mafia (CSM) is.  But any trucker can tell you the "Boyz" have been around for a lot longer than CMT.  In fact, my husband has been shopping at 4 States Trucks for years and has met Bryan, the "Don", a few years before the show was even thought of.  — The point, the CSM are actually a group of nice guys who really care about their work and the people the trucking industry effects.  For as long as Rich has been shopping at 4 States they have had products for kids and that's why it was no surprise to us when the CSM announced that they would be coming out with their own DVD series called "I Wanna be a Trucker." — "Tanker" is the first addition to the series.  My 4 1/2 yr. old received this DVD for Christmas and it immediately became a favorite in our house.  My husband even watched the video the first few times our boys watched it. — The Facts: —... Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:36:16 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/I-Wanna-Be-a-Trucker-Tanker-review-a63d1 thenewlinke 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/I-Wanna-Be-a-Trucker-Cattle-Hauler-review-d4621 Anyone who has seen CMT's Trick my Truck knows who the Chrome Shop Mafia (CSM) is.  But any trucker can tell you the "Boyz" have been around for a lot longer than CMT.  In fact, my husband has been shopping at 4 States Trucks for years and has met Bryan, the "Don", a few years before the show was even thought of.  — The point, the CSM are actually a group of nice guys who really care about their work and the people the trucking industry effects.  For as long as Rich has been shopping at 4 States they have had products for kids and that's why it was no surprise to us when the CSM announced that they would be coming out with their own DVD series called "I Wanna be a Trucker." — "Cattle Hauler" is the second addition to the series and it was worth the wait.  My boys LOVE this DVD and watch it at least once a (if not 2 or 3) times a day.  My 4 1/2 yr. old received this DVD in his Easter basket and immediately made us put... Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:11:36 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/I-Wanna-Be-a-Trucker-Cattle-Hauler-review-d4621 thenewlinke 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Wal-Mart-Super-Center-All-Cities-USA-review-22912 I know I'm going to get attached for this review but I DON"T CARE!  I'm going to be honest, I LOVE Wal-mart.  I always have.  I grew up in a house of seven kids (6 girls & 1 boy spread over 20 years).  How in the world do yo think my mother paided for school clothes, supplies, and TP (just think about how much 9 people used the bathroom).  And if there was such thing as a Super Wal-mart in our area back then I'm sure my mother would have danced a jig right in the middle of the parking lot.  As it was, she went to 2-3 grocery stores in one day to buy everything she could on sale. — OK, enough ranting...The facts: — Positive —... Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:54:30 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Wal-Mart-Super-Center-All-Cities-USA-review-22912 thenewlinke 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Dyson-All-Floors-Bagless-Upright-Cyclonic-Vacuum-review-59881 I previously owned a Dyson look-a-like and it worked well on regular carpet...but it was horrible with barber carpet (which we have wall-to-wall in most of the house) and it didn't work at all on my kitchen floor.  Well when it finally took a dive just after Christmas (the pine needles did it in) my husband convinced me to spend the extra money and finally get a Dyson.  It was one of the best investment I have ever made.  When will I learn to listen to that man? — The Dyson is very powerful.  It makes the regular carpet in my bedroom look like new every time I vacuum.  It works wonderfully on hard surface floors like my kitchen and office.  It even does an acceptable job on the barber carpets. — I have a cat and two preschool boys and a husband who all have seasonal indoor/outdoor allergies.  After using the Dyson for a few months I have notice that there is less over all dust and a minimal amount of cat hair throughout the house. ... Sat, 15 Mar 2008 14:19:01 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Dyson-All-Floors-Bagless-Upright-Cyclonic-Vacuum-review-59881 thenewlinke 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Sirius-Satellite-Radio-review-91160 My Husband and I first discovered satellite radio almost 3 years ago.  My Husband, Rich, is a OTR (Over the Road) truck driver and hated that he had to find a new station to listen to every 1-2 hours.  And then Howard Stern moved to Sirius and that was that.  Rich wanted Sirius.  We have been hooked ever since. — I am a Stay-at-Home Mom of two boys but I travel a lot.  My Parents are 3 1/2 hours away (Green Co.) and Rich's are 2 hours away (Philly area).  When we go on our frequent day trips to Grandma's, I can listen to the same commercial free station the entire time.  — Another great feature are the music "counsels."  Anyone can join them and they help decide each music station's play-list and it is based on a weekly questionnaires that rate the songs on the current play-list.  Between this and request (by phone & email) the listeners are the ones who control the music, not some predetermined Billboard list.... Sun, 02 Mar 2008 17:33:24 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Sirius-Satellite-Radio-review-91160 thenewlinke 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Confessor-review-b2e34 ****WARNING - Spoilers Ahead**** — (all spoilers will be in bold so you can easily skip them) — Let me begin by say that Terry Goodkind is one of my All-time favorite authors.  I have read the Sword of Truth Series in full more than once and I have read Wizards First Rule (Book1) in particular 3+ times.  They are typically fast pace with enchanting (but very real) characters that suck you into their world.  Because of this, I have developed a 100 page rule with all of his books...I don't read the last 100 pages until I can sit down and read them in their entirety because once you start, you can't stop. — With this said, I was partially annoyed by this book.  The main character, Richard, gets very preachy about how evil The Order is and he goes in to this huge mono-log at the end when he finally opens the correct Box of Orden.  He goes on for 5+ pages about why he has to create two separate worlds and why humanity/magic can never prosper as... Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:37:52 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Confessor-review-b2e34 thenewlinke 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Microsoft-Vista-Home-Premium-review-2c8a3 I'm what most people would call a "Techie."  I have a BS in Computer and Information Science.  I worked in PC support at a major company for 2 years.  I help hundreds of people through the transition from Windows 98 & Windows NT to Windows 2000 and Windows XP when they came out.   But even with experience, I was still hesitant to order my new PC with Windows Vista because of all of the bad press the OS (operating system)received.  Never the less I swallowed my fears and got the new PC only two months after Vista was launched.  Even though I know my way around a PC, I still had issues when I first got Vista including: —... Sat, 01 Mar 2008 19:02:49 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Microsoft-Vista-Home-Premium-review-2c8a3 thenewlinke 5